HARRISBURG (Feb. 7, 1997) -- The Pennsylvania Judicial Evaluation Commission today released its first group of ratings for candidates seeking election to Pennsylvania's appellate courts.

Commission Chairman John A. Carpenter of Sunbury said that eight of the 11 candidates are Recommended. Three are Not Recommended. Additional candidate ratings will be announced later this month.

The independent Commission based its findings on a two-phase evaluation process. The preliminary phase, conducted by a three-member panel, consisted of a review of the candidate's questionnaire and writing samples, an interview and inquiries of those who know the candidate.

A second interview was then conducted before the Commission in Pittsburgh, where each candidate was considered for a Highly Recommended, Recommended or Not Recommended rating.

Carpenter said: "I am proud to be part of such a dedicated and hardworking group. These people voluntarily gave of their time to provide this public service. In a recent public poll, the citizens of Pennsylvania told us they want and expect an independent evaluation of judicial candidates.

These ratings are just that a fair and comprehensive evaluation. While political parties may look at electability of candidates, the Commission must focus on quality."

With as many as 30 candidates expected to run in the spring primary for six vacancies on the three appellate courts, the ratings and the rationale for those ratings are offered to assist voters in making informed decisions. The first group of announcements focus on Republicans, since the Republican State Committee is meeting this weekend.

Carpenter said that Pennsylvania voters deserve to know about the men and women who will be sitting on our Commonwealth's highest courts.

"The law and our courts touch the lives of every Pennsylvanian. The people of this Commonwealth deserve nothing less than the most qualified judges and justices to sit on our appellate courts."

Composed of nine lawyers and nine other citizens representing a variety of professions, the Commission's members include a former national president of the League of Women Voters, a former publisher of the Philadelphia Inquirer, a physician, a dairy farmer, a former college president, an artist and others.

"The Commission was relentless in its search for those sound attributes needed for a person to sit on the Commonwealth's appellate courts. Ratings were reached much like a jury by discussion, debate and consensus.

In December, the Pennsylvania Bar Association announced that it was removing itself from rating judicial candidates, but would sponsor an independent citizens' commission to evaluate those candidates.

This decision came after a year-long review of the previous state bar ratings system which had been in place for over 15 years. According to Carpenter, the new system is more open and gives voters essential information. This includes the rationale for the rating and the candidate's questionnaire responses, which were previously confidential.

"By opening the process and providing voters with more information, we are creating a credible and fair ratings system that will bring the most qualifed candidates to our appellate courts."